Container mount for bicycle aerobar

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein provide container mounts for mounting water bottles, bento boxes, tool holders or other containers in an aerodynamic position. According to one embodiment, the container mount can include an attachment member to attach to the bicycle frame or aerobars. One or more container support members are coupled to the attachment member in a fixed orientation or in a manner that allows the position of the support member to be adjusted. The container mounts can be configured so that the container is positioned within the aerodynamic profile of the rider&#39;s torso between the rider&#39;s arms (when viewed from the front) and is accessible by the rider while the rider maintains aerodynamic form.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. 120 of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/966,755 filed Dec. 11, 2015, entitled “Container Mount forBicycle Aerobar,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,427,743, which is acontinuation of, and claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 ofthe filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/875,886 filedSep. 3, 2010, entitled “Container Mount for Bicycle Aerobar,” issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,266,575, which in turn claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/240,110 filed Sep. 4, 2009, entitled “Container Mount for BicycleAerobar,” all of which are hereby fully incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

Drag, or wind resistance, is a significant force acting against themotion of cyclists. The amount of drag is dependent on the crosssectional profile of the rider moving through air. Consequently,cyclists attempt to reduce wind resistance by riding in a position thatreduces their profile. To this end, many competitive cyclists useaerobars that allow riders to ride in a more favorable position.Aerobars typically include straight, s-bend or ski-bend tubularextensions that extend forward from the bicycle to provide an area thatthe cyclist can grip while in an aerodynamic position. In many aerobardesigns, a lateral portion joins the extensions and supports armrests. Acyclist grips near the forward most portion of the extensions and restshis or her forearms on armrests allowing the rider to ride in a crouchedposition that is more aerodynamic.

In addition to aerodynamics, the physical well being of the rideraffects performance. In order to maintain high performance, a cyclistmust remain well hydrated. However, hydration often comes at the priceof speed as water bottles are currently mounted in difficult to reachplaces that require the rider to break his or her aerodynamic form toaccess the bottle. The most common existing system is a water containerthat is suspended in front of the bicycle stem and between the aerobars.The rider uses a straw to drink the water. The problem with this type ofa system is that the container is difficult to refill. Consequently,competitors in triathlons or bicycle races must slow down to refill thebottle.

Another solution is to mount a standard water bottle cage transverselyacross the aerobars. This requires riders to maintain their forearmsfurther apart in a less aerodynamic position. Additionally, waterbottles mounted in this manner can be difficult to remove from the cagewhile maintaining a fully crouched form (aero form) and often requirethat the rider move to a less aerodynamic position when the rider wishesto hydrate. In many cases, the rider must remove the bottle from beneathand between the aero handlebars, diverting the rider's attention fromthe road leading to decreased safety.

Other riders use traditional frame mounted water bottles. This solutionis not desirable because the bottle is not close to the rider's mouth.Reaching down for the bottle breaks the rider's aero position and slowshim or her down. With a frame mount bottle the options are to lose speeddue to position or lose performance by not hydrating.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described herein provide container mounts for mounting waterbottles, bento boxes, tool holders or other containers in an aerodynamicposition. According to one embodiment, the container mount can includean attachment member such as a bracket, collar or other attachmentmember to attach to the bicycle frame, steerer tube or aerobars. One ormore container support members are coupled to the attachment member,either in a fixed orientation or in a manner that allows the position ofthe support member to be adjusted. The support members can includeextensions such as plates, tabs, tubular extensions or other extensionsor support members. The container mounts are configured so that thecontainer is positioned within the aerodynamic profile of the rider'storso between the rider's arms (when viewed from the front) and isaccessible by the rider while the rider maintains aero form.

Another embodiment can include a method of holding a container on abicycle with aerobars having extensions. The method can includeproviding a container mount having an attachment member and a supportmember adapted to support a container. The method can further includecoupling the attachment member to the bicycle such that the supportmember is positioned to support the container in a position between therider's arms (when viewed from the front) such that the container willbe in the profile of the rider's torso when riding (when viewed from thefront) and be accessible by the rider without breaking aero form.

Embodiments described herein provide an advantage by placing thecontainer in a position that allows the rider to position the aerobarextensions in the position that provides the optimum balance ofaerodynamics and comfort for that rider.

Embodiments described herein provide another advantage by providing acontainer mount that allows the container to be positioned so that thecontainer can cool the rider (e.g., so that a water bottle, container ofice or other chilled container contacts the rider's arms and providescooling).

Embodiments described herein provide yet another advantage by mountingcontainers in a position that allows the container to be accessedwithout the rider breaking his or her aero form. For example, accordingto one embodiment, the rider can remove a water bottle from a waterbottle cage without breaking aero form. Consequently, the rider will notlose as much speed when replacing an empty water bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification areincluded to depict certain aspects of the disclosure. A clearerimpression of the disclosure will become more readily apparent byreferring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodimentsillustrated in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same orlike features (elements). The drawings are not necessarily drawn toscale.

FIGS. 1-4 are diagrammatic representations one embodiment of a containermount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate one embodiment of a rider using a container mount.

FIG. 7-10 are diagrammatic representations of another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 14-15 are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodimentof a container mount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 16-18 are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodimentof a container mount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 19-20 are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodimentof a container mount for a bicycle.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 22-23 are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodimentof a container mount for a bicycle.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of acontainer mount for a bicycle.

FIGS. 25-26 are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodimentof a container mount for a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to beregarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or expressdefinitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Insteadthese examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being describedwith respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term orterms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized encompassother embodiments as well as implementations and adaptations thereofwhich may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in thespecification and all such embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of that term or terms. Language designating suchnon-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to:“for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” “in one embodiment,” and thelike. Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments ofthe disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, like numerals will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to like and corresponding parts (elements) of thevarious drawings.

Embodiments described herein provide container mounts for mounting waterbottles, carryall boxes, tool holders or other containers in anaerodynamic position. Embodiments of container mounts described hereincan include an attachment member to attach the mount to an aerobarextension, a lateral portion of the aerobar, the bicycle steerer tube orother portion of the aerobars or bicycle. Examples of attachment membersinclude, but are not limited to, collars, brackets, straps, or otherattachment members. In other embodiments, the attachment member may be aportion of the container mount that provides holes or other features sothat the container mount can be attached to the aero bars or otherportion of the bicycle using screws or other hardware. The containermount also includes one or more support members to support thecontainer. The container mount is adapted so that the support member(s)position the container (e.g., a water bottle) within the profile of therider's torso and between the rider's arms (when viewed from the front).The container mount can be aligned to balance functionality andaerodynamics. For example, a container mount can be configured so that awater bottle rests in a horizontal position with its long axis alignedwith the direction of travel of the bicycle or tilted to a select anglefrom the ground.

The container can be mounted so that the rider's arms fit under thecontainer. Again using the example of a water bottle, the water bottlecan be mounted so that the widest portion of the water bottle is higherthan the rider's forearms. This allows the rider to select a broaderrange of arm positions. The ability to select a wider range of armpositions is advantageous because rider arm position can affect threedifferent components that ultimately relate to speed on the bike—1)aerodynamics (affecting how much effort is required to move the bike);2) power (how much power the rider can generate); and 3) comfort (whichcan affect power). These three interplay with one another. For example,a rider can put their arms in the most aerodynamic position for them,but if they lose power and/or are so uncomfortable that they continuallymove out of the aero position (e.g., sit up a stretch), then the mostaerodynamic arm position will not increase their overall speed.

A rider, using embodiments according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure, can position his or her arms in whatever position maximizesthese constraints. In other words, because the water bottle or othercontainer is mounted in a manner that does not interfere with orminimizes interference with the rider's arm position, the rider canposition his or her arms in any place along the top of the aerobars.Consequently, each rider can select an aerobar position that bestaccounts for the aerodynamics, power and comfort of that rider.Additionally, the water bottle is positioned so that the rider caneasily remove the water bottle from the cage with a generally forwardsliding motion without breaking his or her aerodynamic position. Thisincreases safety and reduces speed losses due to hydrating.

While various embodiments are described in terms of holding a waterbottle, embodiments of container mounts can be used to hold any numberof containers including, as non-limiting examples, a food container, agel container, a container for liquids other than water, a container forpersonal items or other container. Additionally, the container can havea shape that is different from a traditional water bottle. Examples ofnontraditional water bottles include, but are not limited to, theAeroDrink water bottle system by Profile Design, the Elite Time Trialwater bottle, Arundel Chrono Bottle Systems and other shaped waterbottles. Another example of a container is a carryall container such asa Bento Box, such as those by TNi-usa of Pleasanton Calif.

FIGS. 1-4 are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of anaerobar 100 having a lateral portion 110, arm extensions 112 and 114 anda mount 116 for a water bottle cage 124 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for holdinga water bottle 118. Mount 116 can mount to one or more of the aerobarextensions 112 and 114. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, anattachment member, in this example collar member 120, fits overextension 112. Collar member 120 can be sized to create a secure fitwith extension 112 or may include an adjustment mechanism to adjust thesize of the collar to achieve a secure fit.

A mounting bracket is coupled to collar member 120 at joint 127 in amanner that allows rotation relative to collar member 120. According toone embodiment, mounting bracket 122 can rotate about a horizontal axisof rotation that is parallel with direction travel of the bicycle. Thecoupling can have sufficient friction so that mounting bracket 122 canremain in the same position relative to collar member 120 once placed ina desired orientation, but can be moved if sufficient force is appliedby the rider. In other embodiments, a securing mechanism such as a lockor ratchet can be used to maintain mounting bracket 122 and collarmember 120 in a desired orientation. According to one embodiment, collarmember 120 can form channel 129 (see FIG. 3). Joint 127 can be formed bya complementary pin or other member attached to bracket 122 and thatextends through channel 129. Bracket 122 can be moved along channel 129to position the end of bracket 122 closer to or further from extension112 as desired.

According to one embodiment, mounting bracket 122 acts as a supportmember to support a water bottle. The top portion 123 of mountingbracket 122 acts as a platform to which a water bottle cage (or othercontainer or container holder) can be attached. The top portion ofmounting bracket 122 can include spaced holes to receive mounting boltsor other fasteners to attach water bottle cage 124. Mounting bracket 122can have a variety of shapes including a triangular or other shaped finand can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to,steel, aluminum, plastic or carbon fiber. As shown in FIG. 1, mountingbracket 122 can have open areas to reduce weight.

A water bottle cage (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) can mount to mountingbracket 122 to hold water bottle 118 with its long axis horizontal tothe ground. Water bottle 118 can be a standard or nonstandard sized andshaped water bottle. According to one embodiment, water bottle 118 (orother container) can include a straw (drinking tube) so that the riderdoes not have to remove bottle 118 from mount 116 to hydrate. The ridercan remove water bottle 118 from cage 124 with a generally forwardmotion without breaking his or her crouched position. Consequently, therider can replace water bottle 118 without breaking aero form.

A cyclist can adjust the height of the water bottle cage by rotatingcollar member 120 either clockwise or counterclockwise around extension112 and rotating mounting bracket 122 to a desired orientation. Forexample, the user can rotate collar member 120 clockwise and mountingbracket 122 counterclockwise to lower water bottle 118. The cyclist canalso adjust the height and position of water bottle 118 between theextensions by moving bracket 122 along channel 129.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a rider with his arms in a riding position showingthat the water bottle is mounted so that a majority of a water bottle isabove the rider's forearms allowing the rider to maintain his handscloser together to form a more aerodynamic wedge shape. For example, therider can position the extension so close together that the rider'shands touch or the aerobar system limits the extensions from beingbrought any closer together. The rider can position the water bottle sothat the water bottle or water bottle cage contacts the rider's forearmswith whatever amount of pressure the rider desires (e.g. lightlytouching the rider's arms or such that the rider must forcefully wedgehis or her arms under the water bottle). A cold water bottle in thisposition will help cool the rider.

FIGS. 7-10 are diagrammatic representations of another embodiment of amount for mounting water bottle cage 124. In the embodiments of FIGS.7-10, the attachment member is again a collar member 220 that, in thiscase, spans the distance between the extensions 112 and 114 and securelyattaches to the extensions. In other embodiments, collar member 220 mayattach to only one of the extensions. The support member is a tubularextension 218 extending forward from collar member 220. Tubularextension 218 can include spaced holes to receive mounting bolts orother fasteners to attach water bottle cage 124. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 7-10, tubular extension 218 has a portion that tilts upward so thewater bottle is positioned at an angle. The bottle 118 will be higherthan the rider's forearms at least towards the front of bottle 118.

Tubular extension 218 can pass through a complementary opening in collarmember 220 and abut or be coupled to a lateral portion 110 of aerobars100. In another embodiment, collar member 220 can include a tube 222that extends backwards and that attaches to lateral portion 110 withbracket 224 for additional stability. The end of extension 218 can passinto this tube. The distance of water bottle 118 from the rider can beadjusted by moving extension 218 forward or backwards in collar member220. Movement of tubular extension 218 can be inhibited by friction fit,a set screw, ball and indent or other mechanism. In other embodiments,extension 218 may simply extend forward from collar member 220 withoutpassing through collar member 220. For example, collar member 220 andtubular extension 218 may be an integrated piece, tubular extension 218may be welded or bonded to collar member 220 or tubular extension 218may otherwise be coupled to collar member 218. While extension 218 istubular in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the extension may have othershapes.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a mount 300 for mounting waterbottle cage 124. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, cage 124 mounts to ans-bar tubular extension 318. A collar member 320 can mount to one orboth of the aerobar extensions 112 and 114. S-bar extension 318 can beselected to mount cage 124 at a desired height. The distance of cage 124relative to the rider can be adjusted by moving extension 318 forward orback in collar member 320.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a mount 400 for mounting waterbottle cage 124. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, cage 124 mounts to astraight tubular extension 418. A collar 420 can mount to one or both ofthe aerobar extensions 112 and 114. Offsets 422 can be selected to mountcage 124 at a desired height (such spacers can also be used inconjunction with any of the other embodiments described herein). Thedistance of cage 124 relative to the rider can be adjusted by movingextension 418 forward or back in collar member 420. Tubular extension418 can include spaced holes to receive mounting bolts or otherfasteners to attach water bottle cage 124

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a mount for mounting waterbottle cage 124. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the attachment member isa collar member 518 sized to fit around the steerer tube of the bicycleabove the portion of the aerobar that couples to the steerer tube(represented at 530). A support plate 520 extends forward from collarmember 518 above the aerobars. In one embodiment support plate 520 andcollar 518 are coupled together as an integrated piece such that collar518 transitions into support plate 520. In other embodiments, supportplate 520 can be a separate piece coupled to collar 518 in a fixedorientation or in a manner that allows the angle of support plate 520 tobe adjusted. Support plate 520 can include openings to receive mountingbolts for a water bottle cage 124. In one embodiment, cage 124 can bemounted to support member 520 using offsets 540, if desired, to raisecage 124 a desired height.

In this embodiment, the water bottle is still positioned between therider's arms but further back such that a majority of the water bottleis behind the lateral portion 110 of aerobars 100. In other embodiments,support plate 520 can extend further to position the water bottle infront of lateral portion 110.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate another embodiment of a mount having anattachment member 518 and a support plate 520. The embodiment of FIGS.14 and 15 is similar to that of FIG. 13 except that, rather than acollar, the attachment member 522 defines an opening through which thestem cap screw 535 passes. According to one embodiment, screw 535 can bethe screw that is otherwise used at the stem cap in the absence of thecontainer mount. The height of cage 124 can be adjusted by using offsets540 or an offset between attachment member 522 and the stem portion 530of aerobars 100. The latter may require, however, a longer screw 535 toproperly couple the water bottle mount and aerobars 100 to the steerertube of the bicycle.

FIGS. 16-18 are diagrammatic representations showing another embodimentof a container mount 600. Container mount 600 can include a supportmember 620 that extends forward from a bracket 640 attached to thelateral portion 110 of aerobars 100. Bracket 640 can screw into, form acollar about or otherwise couple to aerobars 100. Bracket 640 andsupport member 620 can be a unitary piece or be separate pieces. If theyare separate pieces, bracket 640 and support member 620 can be in fixedorientation with each other or can be adjustable relative to each other.Water bottle cage 124 can mount to support member 620 to hold waterbottle 118. The height of water bottle 118 can be selected based on themounting of bracket 640 and/or the orientation of support member 620relative to bracket 640. Additionally, offsets can be used to raise cage124 relative to support member 620.

FIG. 17 also illustrates that support member 620 can include a bottleretaining portion 650. In this example, bottle retaining portion 650 canbe a curved portion that fits in the annular groove found near the topof many standard water bottles. Support member 620 can be manufacturedto act as a spring so that retaining portion 650 remains in the grooveunder normal riding conditions to retain water bottle 118 in cage 124.Support member 620, however, can deflect so that water bottle 118 can beremoved if the rider pulls water bottle 118 forward with sufficientforce.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrammatic representations of another embodimentof a water bottle mount 700. In this embodiment, support member 720extends forward from the top of lateral portion 110 of aerobars 100. Thewater bottle mount is coupled to lateral portion 110 using a bracket740. Bracket 740 can screw into, form a collar about or otherwise coupleto aerobars 100. Bracket 740 and support member 720 can be a unitarypiece or be separate pieces. If they are separate pieces, bracket 740and support member 720 can be in fixed orientation with each other orcan be adjustable. For example, support member 720 may be joined tobracket 740 at 722 with a hinge or other joint that allows bracket 720to rotate relative to hinge 740 side-to-side and/or forward-to-back.Water bottle cage 124 can mount to support member 720 to hold waterbottle 118. The height of water bottle 118 can be selected based on themounting of bracket 740 and/or the orientation of support member 720relative to bracket 740. Additionally, offsets can be used to raise cage124 relative to support member 720. While FIGS. 19-20 illustrate waterbottle 118 as being mounted to the top of the lateral portion 110 ofaerobars 100, water bottle 118 can also be mounted to the bottom of thelateral portion 110 of aerobars 100.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation showing another embodiment of awater bottle mount 800. Mount 800 is similar to mount 116 but includescollar members 822 to attach to both extensions 114 and 112. Collarmembers 822 can each rotate with respect to support 820 in ahalf-scissor like motion. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, a water bottlecage mounts to the top portion of support member 820. To raise or lowerwater bottle 118, collar members 822 can be rotated about the respectiveaerobar extensions.

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of amount 900 for mounting water bottle cage 124. A collar member 918 can besized to fit around the steerer tube of a bicycle. A support plate 920coupled to collar member 918 extends forward from collar member 918generally perpendicular to the axis of the steerer tube and above theaerobars so that the water bottle is aligned between the rider's arms.The embodiment of FIG. 22 has a “lollipop” shape with a generallycircular collar and relatively thin support member extending severaltimes the diameter of the collar.

Support plate 920 can include openings 922 to receive mounting bolts(e.g., as illustrated by mounting bolts 923) for a water bottle cage124. In one embodiment, cage 124 can be mounted to support plate 920using offsets to raise cage 124 to a desired height.

In the embodiment of FIG. 22, support plate 920 and collar member 918are formed of a unitary piece of material. Collar member 918 includescurved wall 924 forming an opening through which the steerer tube canpass. One end of curved wall 924 transitions into support plate 920while the other end terminates to form a gap 926 running from thesteerer tube opening to the side of mount 900. The gap provides room foradjustment. By adjusting set screw 927, the size of the opening can bechanged to securely fit the steerer tube.

The mount can also include a second support member in the form of anextension 928 extending behind collar member 918. Extension 922 caninclude one or more openings 922 to receive mounting bolts. In thisembodiment, the water bottle cage can straddle the steerer tube. Inother embodiments, the water bottle cage can mount behind the steerertube.

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of the mount of FIG. 22 coupled to asteerer tube above a portion of the aerobars 930. Collar member 918 fitssecurely around the steerer tube to couple mount 900 to the bicycle. Astem cap screw 535 can be used as an additional mechanism to hold thecontainer mount in place. A water bottle cage 124 is coupled to supportmember 920 in front of the steerer tube. In other embodiments, waterbottle cage 124 can be positioned to straddle the steerer tube.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of amount 950 used in conjunction with aerobars 100. Mount 950 can besimilar to mount 900 having an attachment member 958 that couples to thesteerer tube. Support member 960 is coupled to attachment member 958 ata joint 972 that allows support member 960 to rotate. Consequently, therider can adjust water bottle cage 124 and water bottle 118 to a desiredangle.

According to one embodiment, collar member 958 can include a curvedsidewall that defines the opening through which the steerer tube passes.The ends of the sidewall transition into arms such that there is achannel between the arms open to the steerer tube opening (a similararrangement is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 25). Adjusting a setscrew causes the arms to move together tightening collar member 958about the steerer tube.

Joint 972 can include any suitable joint to allow rotation, including ahinge or other joint. Joint 972 can be formed by a pin that passesthrough overlapping portions of collar member 958 and support member960. Relative rotation can be inhibited by a ratchet mechanism, frictionfit, biasing support member 960 against collar member 958 with a setscrew or by another securing mechanism. Preferably relative rotation isinhibited so that the angle of support member 960 does not change as therider removes water bottle 118 from cage 124 during normal use.

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of amount 1000. Mount 1000 has a collar portion 1018 to act as an attachmentmember to mount to the steerer tube of the bicycle. Mount 1000 furtherincludes portions extending from collar portion 1018 that act as supportmembers 1020. According to one embodiment, collar portion 1018 caninclude a curved sidewall 1022 that defines an opening to fit thesteerer tube. The ends of sidewall 1022 transition into arm portions1024 that extend away from the steerer tube opening and are slightlyseparated to form a channel 1026 that is open to the steerer tubeopening. This channel provides room for adjustment. Turning set screw1028 can cause channel 1026 to contract (i.e, arms 1024 to movetogether), thereby tightening collar member 1018 about the steerer tube.The other end of the arms 1024 are joined to form portion 1030 having anopening to receive a water bottle cage mounting bolt 1032.

On the opposite side of the steerer tube opening, sidewall 1022transitions into extension 1032 that extends in the other direction fromarms 1024. Extension 1032 provides an opening to receive a water bottlecage mounting bolt 1032. The height of the water bottle cage can beadjusted using spacers 1040. FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of mount1000 coupled to a steerer tube above aerobars 100. Water bottle cage 124is positioned to straddle the steerer tube to bring water bottle 118closer to the rider.

The various container mounts described above can be configured so thatthe container rests in a position between the rider's arms. For example,a water bottle can be positioned between the rider's forearms (e.g., asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6), between the rider's elbows, or behind therider's elbows but between the rider's arms when viewed from the front.The container is positioned to be fully within the profile of therider's torso. In one embodiment, a water bottle can be mounted so thatthe widest portion of the water bottle is higher than the height of therider's forearms. In another embodiment, the widest portion of the waterbottle can be higher than the rider's forearms for a front portion ofthe water bottle (e.g., the front ⅛th, ¼th, ½, or other desired portionof the water bottle closest to the front (relative direction oftravel)). Because the rider's arms can fit under the widest portion ofthe water bottle, the rider can place extensions 112 and 114 closertogether with his or her arms potentially contacting the water bottle,water bottle cage, other container or container holder, whilemaintaining the container in an easy to reach position. The containermount can be formed of a material so that the container mount does notyield (irreversibly deform) if the rider's arms push against thecontainer or container holder during strenuous riding or when the rideraccesses the container. In other embodiments, the container can beplaced far enough back that the rider can bring the extensions togetherwithout his or her forearms contacting the water bottle.

While the above described embodiments are discussed in terms of mountinga water bottle, embodiments can be used to aerodynamically mount othercontainers for liquids, solid foods or other items. Furthermore, whilethe various figures show a standard water bottle, nonstandard oraerodynamically shaped water bottles or other containers can be used.The water bottle or other liquid container can further include a strawso that the rider does not have to remove the water bottle/container tohydrate. Additionally, the water bottle cage can be a standard cage ornonstandard cage.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example and waterbottles (or other containers) can be supported in any number of manners.According to one embodiment, for example, a water bottle cage can mountto a plate that is attached to aerobar extensions 112 and 114 with cableties, hook and eye straps or other mechanism. In another embodiment, theplate can include spaced holes to allow the plate to be attached to theaerobar extensions using screws. In such an embodiment, the plate canhave holes in a number of locations to accommodate a number of spacingsbetween aerobar extensions. In another embodiment, multiple plates canspan between aerobar extensions 112 and 114 and be attached to theaerobar extensions using collars, straps, screws or other mechanisms.Another embodiment may include a relatively thin mount the mounts to thetop of the steerer tube using the step cap screw. The mount can includetabs that extend forward and backward from the steerer tube withmounting holes for the water bottle cage. Such an embodiment can be madefrom thin aluminum, sheet metal or other thin material. In some cases,the support member(s) may be integrated with a water bottle cage suchthat the water bottle cage attaches to the aerobar extensions, steerertube or other portion of the bicycle.

Furthermore, the examples of aerobars in the figures are provided by wayof example. Embodiments described herein can be used with any number ofdifferent aerobar arrangements including aerobars that have straightextensions, s-bend extensions or ski bend extensions (where theextension extends straight out, but bends up at the end) or otherextensions. Furthermore, various embodiments described herein can beused with bicycles including mountain bikes or other bikes that lackaero bars.

While this disclosure describes particular embodiments, it should beunderstood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope ofthe invention is not limited to these embodiments or dimensionsprovided. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements tothe embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated thatthese variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall withinthe scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water bottle mount for a bicycle havingaerobars, the water bottle mount comprising: a first attachment membercomprising a first collar defining a first collar opening sized toreceive a first aerobar extension and a first attachment member portionadapted to extend laterally inward from the first collar when the firstcollar is mounted on the first aerobar extension; a second attachmentmember comprising a second collar defining a second collar opening sizedto receive a second aerobar extension; a support member coupled to thefirst attachment member and the second attachment member, the supportmember having a top surface that is higher than the first attachmentmember and the second attachment member and extends longitudinally tothe front of and behind of the first attachment member and the secondattachment member; and a water bottle cage mounted on top of the topsurface of the support member, the water bottle cage having a firstopening to receive a water bottle, the water bottle cage adapted toretain the water bottle, wherein the water bottle mount is mountable tosupport the water bottle cage in a position during use that is betweenthe first aerobar extension and the second aerobar extension and isfully above the first aerobar extension, the second aerobar extension,and the support member, with the water bottle cage arranged with thefirst opening facing forward to allow the water bottle to be insertedfrom a front end of the water bottle cage and to retain the water bottlein an orientation with a long axis of the water bottle aligned with aforward direction of travel and with the water bottle fully within arider's torso profile.
 2. The water bottle mount of claim 1, wherein thesecond attachment member comprises a second attachment member portionadapted to extend laterally inward from the second collar when thesecond collar is mounted on the second aerobar extension.
 3. The waterbottle mount of claim 2, wherein the water bottle mount is adapted tosupport the water bottle cage above a rider's forearms during use. 4.The water bottle mount of claim 1, wherein the top surface of thesupport member comprises a plurality of openings to receive mountinghardware for the water bottle cage, the plurality of opening alignedalong a centerline of the top surface of the support member.
 5. Thewater bottle mount of claim 1, wherein the water bottle cage is adaptedto allow removal of the water bottle from the water bottle cage by arider without breaking aero-form.
 6. The water bottle mount of claim 1,wherein the water bottle cage is adapted to hold a generally cylindricalwater bottle with the long axis parallel to the ground when in use. 7.The water bottle mount of claim 1, wherein the support member has aposition that is adjustable relative to the first attachment member. 8.A water bottle system comprising: a water bottle; a water bottle mountcomprising: a first attachment member comprising a first collar defininga first collar opening sized to receive a first aerobar extension and aportion adapted to extend laterally inward from the first collar whenthe first collar is mounted on the first aerobar extension; a secondattachment member comprising a second collar defining a second collaropening sized to receive a second aerobar extension; a support membercoupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member,the support member having a top surface that is higher than the firstattachment member and the second attachment member extendslongitudinally to the front of and behind of the first attachment memberand the second attachment member; and a water bottle cage mounted on topof the top surface of the support member, the water bottle cage having afirst opening to receive the water bottle, the water bottle cage adaptedto retain the water bottle, wherein the water bottle mount is adapted tosupport the water bottle cage in a position during use that is betweenthe first aerobar extension and the second aerobar extension, and isfully above the first aerobar extension, the second aerobar extension,and the support member, with the water bottle cage arranged with thefirst opening facing forward to allow the water bottle to be insertedfrom a front end of the water bottle cage and to retain the water bottlein an orientation with a long axis of the water bottle aligned with aforward direction of travel and with the water bottle fully within arider's torso profile.
 9. The water bottle system of claim 8, whereinthe top surface of the support member comprises a plurality of openingsto receive mounting hardware for the water bottle cage, the plurality ofopening aligned along a centerline of the top surface of the supportmember.
 10. The water bottle mount of claim 8, wherein the water bottlecage is adapted to allow removal of the water bottle from the waterbottle cage by a rider without breaking aero-form.
 11. The water bottlesystem of claim 8, wherein the second attachment member comprises asecond attachment member portion adapted to extend laterally inward fromthe second collar when the second collar is mounted on the secondaerobar extension.
 12. The water bottle system of claim 8, wherein thewater bottle mount is adapted to support the water bottle above arider's forearms during use.
 13. The water bottle system of claim 8,wherein the water bottle mount is adapted to hold the water bottle withthe long axis of the water bottle parallel to the ground when in use.14. The water bottle mount of claim 8, wherein the support member has aposition that is adjustable relative to the first attachment member.